Mathematics Applications (MAA)

Exam Format

Both sections test content from Unit 3 and Unit 4. Networks and graph theory tend to dominate the Calculator-Free section, while finance and statistics dominate the Calculator-Assumed section.

Priority 1 High-Impact Weak Areas

These issues are flagged by examiners every year from 2020–2023. Fixing them is the fastest path to more marks.

Unit 3, Topic 1: Bivariate Data Analysis Unit 3

• Two-way frequency tables: completing tables, row/column percentages, identifying explanatory vs. response variables, stating associations
• Scatterplots and least-squares regression: correlation coefficient (r), coefficient of determination (r²), equation of least-squares line (y = a + bx)
• Interpreting gradient and intercept in context
• Drawing the regression line on a scatterplot
• Residual analysis: calculating residuals (observed minus predicted), plotting residual plots, interpreting patterns

Unit 3, Topic 2: Growth and Decay in Sequences Unit 3

• Arithmetic sequences: recursive rules (T_n+1 = T_n + d), nth term rules (T_n = a + (n−1)d)
• Geometric sequences: recursive and nth term rules, common ratio, percentage growth/decay
• First-order linear recurrence relations (T_n+1 = bT_n + c)
• Steady-state / long-term values: solving T = bT + c for equilibrium
• Real-world modelling: depreciation, population growth, wages, subscriptions

Unit 3, Topic 3: Graphs and Networks Unit 3

• Graph theory fundamentals: vertices, edges, faces, degree of vertices, adjacency matrices, connected graphs, planar graphs
• Euler's formula (v + f − e = 2): verification and interpretation
• Eulerian and semi-Eulerian trails: determining existence based on odd/even vertex degrees
• Hamiltonian paths and circuits: identifying and demonstrating
• Bipartite graphs

Unit 4, Topic 1: Time Series Analysis Unit 4

• Seasonal / daily indices: calculating, interpreting in context, estimating totals from partial data
• Deseasonalised data: calculating and interpreting
• Centred moving averages
• Least-squares trend lines on deseasonalised data
• Forecasting / predicting future values using trend lines and seasonal indices

Unit 4, Topic 2: Loans, Investments and Annuities Unit 4

• Simple and compound interest: formulas A = P(1+r)^t and A = P(1 + r/n)^nt
• Reducing balance loans: recursive modelling (T_n+1 = (1+r)T_n − payment), loan duration, final repayment, total interest
• Savings accounts / investments: recursive modelling of deposits with compound interest
• Annuities: modelling with recursive rules, determining payment amounts, balance tracking
• Perpetuities: calculating perpetuity payments from a balance
• Effective annual interest rate: comparing compounding frequencies using i_eff = (1 + i/n)ⁿ − 1
• Scenario comparison: lump sum payments, changed repayments, interest savings

Unit 4, Topic 3: Networks and Decision Mathematics Unit 4

• Shortest path problems: Dijkstra's algorithm or systematic working
• Minimum spanning trees: Prim's algorithm (applied to tables/matrices)
• Network flow: sources, sinks, maximum flow, minimum cut (max-flow min-cut theorem), augmenting paths
• Project networks (critical path analysis): drawing network diagrams from precedence tables, critical path, minimum completion time, float times, dummy activities
• Hungarian algorithm for optimal allocation (both minimisation and maximisation)

Priority 3 Exam Technique

Tips from Examiner Reports

• Read questions carefully — highlight or underline key words
• Use brackets on your calculator, especially for negative numbers
• Always show working for questions worth 2+ marks
• Answer in context — refer to the scenario, not generic maths
• Use a highlighter for routes on network diagrams
• Round appropriately — whole numbers for discrete objects, correct units always
• Use correct terminology from the syllabus glossary

Formula Sheet Reference

The formula sheet (provided in the exam) covers: